Persuasive Analysis #2 - "When the Whip Comes Down"

“When the Whip Comes Down” is an article by Matt Haber, a writer from GQ magazine. It chronicles the subjugation of men to the domineering women who have manipulated them to cater to every feminine whim. References are made to certain historical figures who have been controlled by the leash of their female partners, such as John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. Then to further support the claim of the rule of women, Haber turns to modern-day examples that demonstrate the current trend of powerful and influential females who exert their control over their husbands/mates. Couples whose exploits are reported in the tabloids are the primary sources for proving that men are currently being whipped to a laughable extent. The history behind relationships like Eminem and his wife and Madonna and Guy Ritchie showcase how men undermine their masculinity in a variety of ways to satisfy the wishes of their beloved. Observations on reformed behavior and rapid character transformations are just a few of the incidents that reinforce the notion that female dominance is alive and well.

There are many persuasive elements that assist in proving Matt Haber’s assertion that women have an undeniable influence on the men they are with. Pathos in a vividly humorous way is utilized when the author recounts how Yoko Ono used to subject John Lennon to her authority when she left “cat turds in his path.” This description of such a preposterous situation may make some readers feel incredulous, but it is that same preposterousness that sways the audience toward the opinion of the writer. Then Haber tells about the obvious signs of women’s dominance, like “pathological obedience, public humiliation, couples Pilates.” These occurrences are not as rare and obscene as the author suggests they are. Thus, the article invokes blatantly faulty cause to justify the existence of men and women living their lives harmoniously while doing things they body enjoy. Haber also employs ethical reasoning to support his claim, such as when he describes one of the highlighted relationships in his article: the estranged union between Marshall Mathers (Eminem) and Kim Mathers. Eminem used to document his vehement hatred for his ex-wife through his acidic rap albums; now, after a long period of bitter feuding, he decides to marry “the women he’s spent years openly fantasizing about killing, then he goes and marries her again.” Ethos is the dominant persuasive device because the commonly held perception of Eminem as an ignorant, twisted misogynist is shattered by such a selfless, reconciliatory act. This does wonders to convince the reader that women truly have obtained the upper hand in relationships, no matter what the circumstances.

Source: http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_6697